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Exploring the Ecological Structure of Agricultural Industry School Partnership Systems in the Gippsland Region, Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Molly O’Dea

    (Agricultural Education and Extension Cluster, Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia)

  • Amy Cosby

    (Agricultural Education and Extension Cluster, Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
    Centre for Research in Equity and Advancement of Teaching and Education (CREATE), School of Education and the Arts, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia)

  • Jaime Manning

    (Agricultural Education and Extension Cluster, Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia)

  • Nicole McDonald

    (Agricultural Education and Extension Cluster, Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia)

  • Bobby Harreveld

    (Centre for Research in Equity and Advancement of Teaching and Education (CREATE), School of Education and the Arts, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia)

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the structure of agricultural industry school partnerships (ISPs) by applying Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to partnerships delivered in Gippsland, Australia. Agricultural ISPs are one potential setting for industry-relevant learning and career education to occur. This may assist in alleviating agricultural workforce shortages and addressing educational issues related to student career outcomes. A mixed methods case study methodology was employed, with data analyzed through frequency counts and Braun and Clarke’s method of thematic analysis. Surveys ( n = 111) and semi-structured interviews ( n = 57 pre-participation, n = 68 post-participation) were used with educators ( n = 56) and industry participants ( n = 62) from ISPs delivered through CQUniversity Australia’s Raising Aspirations in Careers and Education—Gippsland project from 2021–2023. This research finds that the agricultural ISPs studied function as interdependent ecological systems. The facilitator played a crucial role in delivering the ISPs, including connecting educators and industry partners. The study is limited by the number of agricultural ISPs explored and by only collecting data from two stakeholders within the system. However, these findings contribute to a greater understanding of the complex structure of agricultural ISPs, which can help those creating ISPs to consider and understand all stakeholders’ needs. Exploring ISPs as ecological systems also provides a lens to approach research improving similar educational practices. Further research could deepen our understanding of these systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Molly O’Dea & Amy Cosby & Jaime Manning & Nicole McDonald & Bobby Harreveld, 2024. "Exploring the Ecological Structure of Agricultural Industry School Partnership Systems in the Gippsland Region, Australia," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:10:p:1668-:d:1484765
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Michael Ryan, 2023. "Labour and skills shortages in the agro-food sector," OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Papers 189, OECD Publishing.
    2. Hui Zhang & Jing Li & Tianshu Quan, 2023. "Strengthening or Weakening: The Impact of an Aging Rural Workforce on Agricultural Economic Resilience in China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-16, July.
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